Fighting Parsons of the Civil War

During the Civil War there were several chaplains who were not only men of God but also participated in skirmishes and battles. These ranged from regular chaplains such as the Rev. David C. Kelly who ministered to the men of Nathan Bedford Forrest’s command to Chaplain Lorenzo Barber of the 2nd U.S. Sharpshooters to General Leonidas K. Polk, a Lieutenant General in the Army of Tennessee. This talk by Kenny Rowlette will focus upon these and other less known chaplains who dealt with the inner struggle of being “men of God who went to war.” Biographical info and archival images will bring to life the stories of these unique men who found themselves on the fields of battle fighting with the very men they ministered to back in camp. Also there will be a brief look at the official non-combat role of US chaplains since the Civil War.

Refreshments will be served at 6:30 pm and the lecture will begin at 7:00 pm. Reservations are required. Register online here, or contact Josie Butler at (855) 649-1861 x 203 or jbutler@moc.org for more information or to register. Cost: Free for Museum members, $5.00 for non-members.